Breast surgery may be performed for a variety of reasons, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, lumpectomies or partial mastectomies to treat breast cancer. Recovery from breast surgery may take days or weeks, depending on the type of procedure done and the overall health of the patient. Breast surgery is a major surgical procedure, and recovering patients must diligently follow their doctor's orders to encourage healing and prevent complications.
Instructions
1. Do not stop wearing your surgical bra or compression garment unless told to do so by your doctor. Although these garments may be uncomfortable, they are specifically designed to support your breasts, encourage healing and reduce complications, according to the Mayo Clinic.
2. Ice your breasts for the first 72 hours following your breast surgery. Applying ice packs to your breasts will minimize swelling and bruising and help with any discomfort you may be experiencing. Ice packs are available at most drug stores.
3. Keep your incision dry for at least 24 hours following your surgery, or for longer depending on your doctor's orders. External sutures may prevent you from showering until your sutures are removed, typically several weeks after your surgery. In the meantime, take sponge baths and avoid swimming.
4. Take any medications and antibiotics prescribed by your doctor or surgeon. Do not stop taking your antibiotics until you have finished your entire treatment course to reduce the risk of infection.
5. Use over-the-counter pain relievers to ease your discomfort. If over-the-counter medications are not strong enough to manage your pain, ask your doctor for a prescription-strength pain reliever. Make certain to ask your doctor if you are allowed to take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, both of which may increase bruising and the risk of bleeding.
6. Sleep in a semi-upright position on your back to reduce pain and swelling. Use pillows to prop yourself up and prevent rolling over in the middle of the night. You can also try sleeping in a chair.
7. Empty any surgical drains placed in your surgical site, as instructed by your doctor. According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, surgical drains allow accumulated fluids to drain from your breasts, which helps reduce the risk of pressure buildup and infections. Removing the end bulbs, emptying the fluid and then reattaching the bulbs to the drain pieces is the standard method for emptying most surgical drains.
8. Keep a list of any concerns or questions you have for your doctor at your follow-up visit, and record any unusual symptoms or fevers you experience. You should also record the amount of fluid emptied from your surgical drains, and note any increase in pain or other symptoms.
9. Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting or bending following your breast surgery, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Do spend 15 minutes, two to three times each day, walking or moving around. This will prevent blood clots from forming, speed your healing and reduce swelling in your breasts.
10. Increase your daily fluid intake and avoid eating salty foods during recovery from breast surgery. This will help with swelling and keep you hydrated.
11. Watch for signs of developing complications, some of which may be serious. If you notice sudden swelling, excessive bleeding or a discharge from your nipples, call your doctor immediately. Also, call right away if you experience severe dizziness, uncontrollable pain, numbness in your legs, a fever of more than 101 degrees F, blood in your urine, fainting or seizures.
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